Urgent Alert: Parvovirus Outbreak – Act Now to Protect Your Dog
Thursday Nov 7, 2024 1:27PM
A heartbreaking tragedy struck our practice at MustCare Vets Compton Rd just this week. A much-loved dog, who had been suffering from diarrhea for two days, was brought to us by his vigilant owner, who knew something was wrong. Severely dehydrated and struggling, the dog was in critical condition. Despite our team’s best efforts, including ten minutes of CPR, we were unable to save him. Our suspicions were heightened by the amount of blood in his faeces, and testing soon confirmed the presence of canine parvovirus (CPV)—a deadly and highly contagious virus. We can now confirm that this devastating disease is currently sweeping across Woodridge and the surrounding areas.
If your dog’s vaccinations have lapsed, we urge you—bring them in for a vaccine now.
“This is one of the first parvo cases we’ve seen in a while, but we know that nearby practices have already reported at least five cases in the last week, two of which required serious hospitalisation,” says Dr. Shibly Mustapha, founder of MustCare Vets. “With treatment costs running into the thousands, we’re seeing desperate owners surrender their pets simply because they couldn’t afford to treat a preventable disease. A $120 vaccine could make the difference between life and death.”
How Parvovirus Spreads
Parvovirus is highly contagious and resilient. The virus spreads through contact with infected faeces and contaminated surfaces, such as dog parks, grassy areas, and even on people’s shoes. Particularly vulnerable are puppies and unvaccinated dogs between six weeks and six months of age. While Woodridge is currently the outbreak’s centre, even a bit of rain could lead to wider spread as owners unknowingly bring exposed dogs to public spaces.
Currently, the parvovirus outbreak seems centred around Woodridge; however, it poses a serious risk to nearby suburbs, including Kingston, Slacks Creek, Logan Central, Springwood, Underwood, Rochedale South, Kuraby, Marsden, Crestmead, and Browns Plains. With the virus spreading through even minor contact with contaminated areas, pets in these neighbourhoods are at heightened risk. Residents in these suburbs, or even neighbouring these areas, should take immediate action to vaccinate their pets and avoid high-traffic dog areas to prevent exposure.
Your Actions Now Can Save Your Pet:
- Vaccinate Immediately: If your dog’s vaccinations are due or overdue, don’t wait. Call us at MustCare Vets Compton Rd or your local vet clinic. A simple vaccine could save your dog’s life.
- Avoid Public Spaces: Keep young or unvaccinated pets away from parks, sidewalks, and other public areas where parvo might be present.
- Stay Alert for Symptoms: Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these, contact us immediately.
“This outbreak is especially concerning given how quickly and easily it spreads,” Dr. Mustapha adds. “We’re urging everyone in our community—if your pet isn’t vaccinated, please act now. It’s devastating to see cases that could have been prevented.”
For more information or to schedule a vaccination, contact MustCare Vets.
